How can counselling help with anxiety and depression?

Look, I get it. When anxiety and depression hit, it feels like you’re drowning in your own thoughts. Trust me… I’ve been there. And if you’re reading this, chances are you’re either struggling yourself or watching someone you love go through it.

Here’s the thing – **counselling isn’t just sitting on a couch talking about your feelings** (though yeah, that happens too). It’s way more practical than most people think.

## What Actually Happens in Counselling?

First off, forget what you’ve seen in movies. Real counselling is more like… having a really smart friend who’s trained to spot patterns you can’t see yourself. Someone like Antoinetta doesn’t just nod and take notes – she actually helps you figure out WHY your brain keeps doing that thing where you spiral at 3am.

The best part? You don’t have to pretend everything’s fine. Finally, right?

## How It Helps With Anxiety

Anxiety is sneaky. It convinces you that:
– Everything is an emergency
– You’re probably dying (you’re not)
– Everyone’s judging you
– That thing from 10 years ago? Still relevant apparently

A good counsellor helps you call anxiety on its BS. They teach you actual tools – not just “breathe deeply” (though that helps too). We’re talking real strategies for when your heart’s racing and your mind won’t shut up.

Sometimes it’s about going deeper… like with regression therapy. Sounds weird, I know. But sometimes anxiety started way back when you were a kid and just… never left. Finding that root cause can be game-changing.

## Depression Is Different (But Also Responds to Help)

Depression lies to you differently than anxiety. It says:
– Nothing matters
– You’re worthless
– This will never get better
– Why even try?

**Here’s what counselling does** – it helps you recognize these as symptoms, not truths. Big difference.

A counsellor won’t just tell you to “think positive” (ugh, hate that). They’ll work with you to find what actually helps YOU. Maybe it’s understanding your triggers. Maybe it’s processing old grief or trauma. Maybe it’s just having someone validate that yeah, life is actually really hard sometimes.

## The Holistic Approach Makes Sense

I love that places like Antoinetta’s practice don’t just stick to one method. Because guess what? We’re not robots. What works for your friend might not work for you.

Sometimes you need:
– Traditional talk therapy
– Body-based approaches (anxiety lives in your body too)
– Intuitive guidance when you can’t trust your own gut anymore
– Help with the physical symptoms (hello, mystery stomach issues)

## Why Professional Help Beats “Toughing It Out”

Look, I tried the whole “I can handle this myself” thing for years. Spoiler alert: didn’t work great.

Here’s what a professional counsellor brings:
1. **No judgment** – They’ve heard it all. Seriously.
2. **Actual training** – Not just opinions from your uncle who “doesn’t believe in depression”
3. **Confidentiality** – What you say stays there
4. **Tools that work** – Not just platitudes
5. **Consistency** – Same time each week, someone who shows up for YOU

## The Bottom Line

Anxiety and depression are liars. They tell you you’re alone, that it won’t get better, that you’re broken.

Counselling helps you see through the lies. It gives you tools. It helps you understand yourself better. And honestly? Sometimes it just helps to have someone say “Yeah, that sounds really hard” without trying to fix you.

You don’t have to feel this way forever. I promise.

If you’re in Brisbane – North Lakes or Robina area – someone like Antoinetta could be exactly what you need. Someone who gets it. Someone who won’t judge. Someone who actually knows how to help.

Because here’s the truth: **asking for help isn’t weakness. It’s probably the bravest thing you’ll ever do.**

Take the first step. Make the call. Your future self will thank you.

*- Bryce*